Fernando Llorente puts Arsenal and Tottenham on alert by revealing Premier League ambition

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has opened the door to a move to England after admitting his desire to test himself in the Premier League.

The Spanish international, 27, is out of contract with Bilbao at the end of the season, and has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Having fallen out of favour with coach Marcelo Bielsa over his refusal to sign a new contract, Llorente is now likely to be shipped on in January so that Bilbao can collect a fee, and the striker insists he would welcome a switch to the Premier League.

‘It is true that we are approaching the date when I can sign for other clubs,’ Llorente said.

‘I’m trying to keep it so that it is something which is managed by my brother and my representatives. That leaves me to focus in my football and help my team, Athletic, and nothing else, maintain focus.

‘I really like the Premier League and I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion that it’s a league which appeals to me a lot.

‘You never know. It’s one good option in terms of my future but we’ll have to wait until the end of the season to see what happens.’

Llorente also rubbished suggestion he had already agreed a deal to join Italian champions Juventus, who are also known to be keen on his signature.

‘No. That’s totally untrue,’ he said.

‘I think it’s normal that people talk about these things, but ultimately you have to respect the rules.

‘I am an Athletic player and, until January 1, I cannot sign with any other team.’